The CM and the Doctor

For those wondering about Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis’ recent slim and trim appearance, here’s the secret: sources swear that for the past few months our doughty Man at Mantralaya has been diligently working out with none other than holistic health and fitness guru Mickey Mehta.

Not only this but the Mehta holistic health guidance has been sought by Amruta Fadnavis, the CM’s banker wife. The introduction between the Fadnavises and Mehta it appears was engineered through Shaina NC, who was concerned about the CM’s gruelling 18-hour packed workday and his expanding waistline and called upon the services of the ubiquitous health evangelist.

CM Devendra Fadnavis has been working out diligently to stay in shape

So if you happen to call Varsha early morning and are informed that the CM is in session with the doctor — don’t be alarmed. It’s just his daily workout with Dr Mehta apparently.

Will-Kat in Jaipur-Jodhpur wedding?They may have done their share of politically correct NGO related appearances in India but sources say that one of the last engagements on Will-Kat’s India visit is an appearance at the wedding celebrations to mark the betrothal between members of the Jaipur-Jodhpur royal families held over the weekend.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Gaj Singh

As is known royal families around the world have deep and long relationships amongst themselves and regardless of political affiliations make it a point to practice protocol and keep traditions alive.

The wedding in question happens to be that of a cousin of the erstwhile Maharajah of Jodhpur Gaj Singh, with the progeny of one of the brothers of the late Maharajah Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur also known as ‘Bubbles’. “It is a grand affair as can be imagined,” says a source, “and the Duke and Duchess’ presence is expected to grace the occasion.”

Gaggan’s latest starWord comes in that Asia’s top chef, the Bangkok-based pony tailed Gaggan Anand and his Thai wife Pui became first time parents with the birth of their daughter Tara, a name-meaning star in Hindi and river in Thai.

Gaggan Anand, his wife Pui and their daughter Tara

The overjoyed chef sent out a message announcing the news to his close friends. He even put up a picture of his baby captioning it “My name is Tara and I promise to be a foodie and I will be a Rockstar”. Incidentally, not many know that Gaggan’s wife Pui is a big foodie herself and has been the instrumental force behind Gaggan’s second Bangkok restaurant Meatlicious, that opened earlier this year and as the name suggests serves imported meats and uses no electricity in the kitchen.

However, those awaiting the Gaggan magic in Mumbai are in for a disappointment, the celebrated chef will not be setting up his much awaited eatery in the city. Apparently he had a difference of opinion with his local partners and could not come to an agreement; and so next on his list is: a restaurant in Japan. But only after five years we hear. That way Tara will be able to travel to the land of the rising sun with her parents!

Literature and LavniNext week will see the confluence of two diverse art forms at Ajay and Swati Piramal’s newly launched Museum at Lower Parel — that of literature and lavni, when artist Sharmishta Ray’s Bellevue salon’s will feature a talk moderated by Ray with Delhi-based author and mid-day columnist Rosalyn D’mello on the male gaze and female representation in the context of Raja Ravi Varma’s canvasses followed by a lavni performance directed by Savitri Medhatul.

Raja Ravi Varma and Rosalyn D’mello

Literature, lavni and Ravi Varma’s luscious women? Nice.

Inheritor of Wit and WeightRishi Kapoor is on a roll. The Twitter happy star, who has often landed himself in controversy because of his penchant for shooting from the lip received much applause over the weekend for his self-deprecating humour.

Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor

“Obesity” declared the man who hails from a family that (except for a few notable exceptions) has long lost the Battle of the Bulge “is not because it runs in the Kapoor family! It is because no one runs in the Kapoor family!”

To which we add the same can be said about wit, which certainly runs through the Kapoor clan in abundance. The actor’s father Raj and his uncles, Shammi and Shashi, were legendary for their quips. In fact Shashi during his heyday had even christened a room in his Malabar Hill home as ‘the chamcha room’.

Nice to see that legacy of humour continuing (along with the weight).

Nasik NewsLuxe industry insiders are aware that there have been some changes in the top management of Moet Hennessey India, the wine and spirits division of LVMH.

Steven Bullock

For many years man about town Bruno Yvon had headed the Indian outpost located in Lower Parel, but recently the former wine maker and self-proclaimed India lover along with other senior management has now moved on and a team led by Steven Bullock, the new Managing Director is in place.

He will be aided by Sophia Sinha and Neha Mansukani, who have both found elevated roles in the rejig. And incidentally Bullock comes in at an important stage for the group, when it has just officially opened its first Chandon winery, in Dindori, outside Nashik.

Which reminds us, Rajiv Sula Samant, whose engagement to the lovely Margarita Andronova, we announced on these pages is on a trip to Moscow, ostensibly to visit his in laws.